Maria
The relaxed, jovial feel of the place is absent tonight, and I scan the room for trouble, spotting Vito Genovesi and Luigi Bianchi sitting at a table far away from the bar.
Pavel approaches the bar and nods to the bulky bald man behind it. Vince, I think that's his name. They size each other up with a glance and then nod that they understand each other. They won't give grief unless they get it. Pavel sits at the bar as Vince slowly wipes water spots off a clean glass and pours him a beer from the tap.
"Showtime," I say under my breath, guiding Maria toward the table.
"Ivanov," Vito greets with an insincere smile. "And Maria, dear, thank you for bringing him along."
Bianchi's gaze lingers on me with a hint of disdain as Vito gives Maria a quick peck on the cheek.
"Genovesi," I e
